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  MAIL ORDER BLESSING

  Brides of Sweetheart Falls: Book Three

  A Sweet Mail Order Bride Historical Romance Novel

  CHAPTER ONE

  Sweetheart Falls, Wyoming. 1878

  "I'm going to have a baby."

  Rachel and Cassie stared at each other. Cassie's eyes widened and her mouth fell open. They both looked at their sister in amazement.

  "What did you say, Martha?" asked Cassie.

  "I said that Logan and I are expecting a baby," replied Martha.

  Rachel let out an enthusiastic scream. "Martha, that's wonderful news."

  Rachel wrapped her arms around her sister and gave her the biggest hug she could summon. Suddenly realizing she may be holding Martha just a bit too tight, she quickly released her.

  "I'm sorry, Martha," she said.

  Martha smiled. "Don't worry. It's early days."

  The three sisters were sitting on a bench in the garden at the back of Logan and Martha Crawford's Bar T ranch which lay to the north of the town of Sweetheart Falls. The early morning sun was cool, especially under the shade of the grove of trees.

  The bench they were sitting on wasn't any ordinary bench. This was the bench that Logan and Martha had sat on when they had first courted back East. It was one of the recently married couple's most treasured possessions. Since her sister Martha had recently been reunited with Logan, and they had finally become man and wife, Rachel had spent many pleasant, warm summer evenings seated on the bench, gazing up at the sky through the overhanging branches of the surrounding trees.

  A cool breeze blew through the grove of trees. The fall had arrived and the days were shorter and cooler now.

  Rachel pinched herself every day to make sure she wasn't dreaming. Living at the Bar T ranch was such a delight. It was a real contrast to the modest farmstead that her sister Cassie and husband Ethan lived on. Not that Rachel couldn't stand living in basic circumstances. She had done so for many months before taking up Martha on her offer to live at the Bar T ranch. Even if it was a temporary arrangement until Rachel found a husband for herself, it was still a very pleasing place to live for the moment.

  Cassie leaned over and kissed Martha on the cheek. "I'm so happy for you and Logan," she said. "I'll bet he's excited."

  Martha smiled. "That's putting it mildly. He literally jumped in the air when I told him," she said.

  Rachel looked at Cassie as she bent over. Cassie herself was well advanced in her own pregnancy. She placed a hand over her swelling middle. It wouldn't be long before there was a baby for them all to get excited over. And now there was another to look forward to. Rachel felt a surge of emotion and knew she was going to cry.

  Martha brows furrowed when she saw Rachel's eyes welling up. She reached out a hand. "Rachel, my dearest. Don't be upset."

  Cassie turned, concern written on her face.

  Rachel lowered her head and wiped at the tiny tears of happiness. There was a lump in her throat.

  "It's such wonderful news," she said finally, her voice cracking. "I'm so happy for both of you."

  Cassie scooted over next to Rachel.

  Being the older of the three sisters, Cassie always knew just what to say that would calm Rachel. This time was no exception.

  "I know you're happy for us both, Rachel. It's normal for you to cry at such wonderful news."

  Rachel looked at Cassie and saw the concern writ large on her sister's face. "You are both so lucky," she said. "You have found such wonderful husbands, and now you both are going to be mothers."

  Martha smiled and gave Cassie a quick glance. "I know you're happy for us both."

  Cassie stroked the back of Rachel's hand. "You'll find your dream husband," Cassie said quietly.

  Martha reached over and settled a hand on Rachel's shoulder. "Of course you will. It's only a matter of time. Hettie says there is a very special someone she already has in mind."

  Rachel threw her chin up and took a deep breath. Now was the time to tell them, she thought. Martha wasn't the only one with a surprise. Rachel's eyes widened and she felt a rush of excitement.

  "Oh, I already know she has," Rachel said firmly. Her mouth spread wide in a huge, conspiratorial grin.

  Martha and Cassie looked questioningly at each other.

  "You already know?" asked Cassie settling back on the bench. She rested a hand over her middle.

  Rachel nodded. "I know that there is a young man on the way to Sweetheart Falls at this very moment."

  Martha's eyebrows shot up. "On his way here?"

  "Indeed. I met with Hettie yesterday and she told me all about him."

  Cassie frowned at Martha. "Why didn't you tell us sooner."

  "I swore to Hettie I'd keep it to myself. But with all this excitement and all, I just couldn't keep it in."

  Cassie peered into Rachel's eyes. "You're saying there is a young man on his way to Sweetheart Falls to marry you?"

  Rachel cocked her head to one side. "I am saying exactly that. There is a young man on his way to town who just might want to marry and settle down. And the person he may wish to settle down with is me! Isn't it exciting?"

  Rachel could barely contain her excitement.

  Cassie's eyes narrowed. "Hettie found you a husband?"

  Rachel smiled. "Yes. She has found me a husband." Rachel rolled her eyes. "Well. He hasn't yet agreed. And of course we have to meet. And I don't know whether he will like me, or whether I will like him...

  Martha and Cassie smiled as Rachel rambled on.

  To Rachel it seemed so ridiculous to hear herself speak like this. But, it was true. Hettie had found a fine young man who already had good family connections in Sweetheart Falls. And, he was coming home to become her husband.

  Hopefully.

  Martha frowned slightly and became pensive. She considered for a moment, exhaled loudly and then cleared her throat. Cassie similarly went quiet for a moment. The silence made Rachel feel awkward.

  Rachel was momentarily confused by the reaction of both her sisters. She had assumed they would be overjoyed.

  Martha fixed Rachel with a penetrating look. "Who is he?"

  Rachel settled her hands primly in her lap trying to contain her emotions. "Well. His name is Aaron Caldigate. He is twenty five years of age and he's a newly qualified lawyer. If his letters are any reflection of his character, he seems to be a very fine, educated gentleman."

  Cassie looked down and seemed to be lost in thought for a moment. "That name is familiar."

  Rachel nodded. "His father is the town lawyer. You've probably had some dealings with him before."

  Cassie nodded, the memory of their meeting coming back to her. "I recall," she said slowly. "It was after Joshua passed. I did have the need of his services. He certainly seemed like a decent man when I met him."

  Rachel smiled. "Like father like son, I guess."

  Martha's eyes narrowed. "How did Hettie come to know about him?" Martha didn't sound at all convinced by anything that Rachel was telling her.

  "Aaron's mother spoke to Hettie at the social last month. She told Hettie that she thought her son and I would make a very fine couple."

  Cassie laughed quickly. "This town seems to have more than it's fair share of matchmakers."

  Martha nodded. "Everyone is getting involved. Even desperate mothers."

  Rachel frowned and Martha corrected herself, laying a hand on Rachel's knee. "Oh I didn't mean that to sound the way it did Rachel. But it must have taken quite a bit of gumption for Mrs Caldigate to pluck up the courage and ask Hettie for help."

  Cassie smiled. "That's for sure."

  Rachel pursed her lips. This whole conversation wasn't going the way she had anticipated. Not at all.

 
"I would have thought you'd both be happy for me," she said, a note of obvious hurt in her voice.

  Cassie patted Rachel's hand. "Of course we are. That's right Martha. Isn't it?"

  Martha took the cue from Cassie. "Oh...Yes," she said hesitantly. "Of course we are," she muttered. Rachel wasn't convinced.

  "I know you are both concerned for me. I understand. Especially after the way I behaved when Mr. Brook tried to court me."

  Rachel recalled how the assistant of Martha's husband had tried to court her, only for him to be fired after it was found out he was involved in rustling. It had been a traumatic experience for Rachel and had made her question her own judgment when it came to suitors. That was why she had been relieved when Hettie had told her about Aaron. It had taken the decision out of her hands. Rachel trusted Hettie. After all, she had found husbands for both her sisters. And both men had turned out to be treasures.

  "It's not that, Rachel," said Cassie. "You know that we only want the best for you."

  "I'm sure Hettie wouldn't have arranged this if she didn't think it was acceptable," Rachel said defensively.

  Martha looked at Rachel. "We are just very protective of you my dearest," she said.

  Rachel knew that well enough already. Martha in particular had made it her business to ensure that nothing had come of Mr. Brook's attentions. And she had succeeded.

  "When is he arriving?" Cassie asked.

  "I believe he is arriving today," answered Rachel quickly. "But I am under strict instructions not to go and meet him at the station."

  "Why is that?" asked Martha.

  "Hettie has arranged a meeting at her house tomorrow. She would like me to wait until then. She wants to keep things proper."

  "That's no surprise," admitted Cassie.

  Rachel could see that both her sisters were coming round to the idea. But, they still hadn't congratulated her. She had expected they would, especially since the problem of Rachel finding a husband had been such a pressing one recently. It wasn't that she didn't feel welcome at the Bar T ranch. On the contrary. Logan and Martha had made her feel right at home. But a young woman knew when it was time for her to stand on her own two feet. And this was Rachel's time.

  "I take it we will get a chance to meet Mr. Caldigate," Martha said.

  "Of course. I couldn't possibly consider matrimony without the honest opinion of my beloved sisters. Could I?" Rachel said with a mischievous grin. "You are both invited to the little soiree."

  Martha looked suddenly concerned. "What shall I wear?" she said to herself.

  "With all the lovely dresses Logan has bought you recently, I'm sure you'll find something," Cassie answered.

  Rachel found herself worrying about what she herself would wear and whether she would look acceptable to her intended husband.

  Martha seemed to notice the worry on Rachel's face. "Don't you worry Rachel. We'll make you so beautiful this young man won't have any choice but to fall head over heels for you," she said.

  Rachel felt herself blush. The idea of a young man falling in love with her was something she was going to have to get used to, and quickly.

  Martha stood and reached out a hand. "Come Rachel. Let's go inside. We have a great deal to do and not much time left to do it."

  Rachel stood. Both her and Martha helped Cassie stand up. What an afternoon it had been. So much news. There were so many exciting things to look forward to. A new baby and a possible marriage. She was so happy for Martha and her husband. Logan would be so excited that he was going to be a father. Rachel was pleased because he was such a good man and had done so many things for her sister.

  The three sisters made their way to the house. Rachel had loved her time at the Bar T ranch. But now it was her time to move on. She could hardly think of tomorrow without a flutter of nerves in her stomach. But, she knew Martha would do everything to ensure that her future husband would be mightily impressed when he met his future wife.

  Now, she said to herself. What on earth am I going to wear?

  CHAPTER TWO

  "When are we arriving Uncle Aaron?" Emily asked him again.

  Aaron Caldigate looked at his watch for the third time in half an hour. "We'll be there in about five minutes," he answered his niece.

  Emily frowned, as if five minutes were the longest time imaginable. He smiled when he saw her reaction. Although she was only eight years old she was so grown up in many ways. She was so like her mother. Aaron's sister had a petulant and strong minded way about her. Her daughter was no different.

  The train made it's way across the expanse of the plain. It had been a long journey from New York but it would over soon. He was relieved that finally they would be arriving at Sweetheart Falls.

  The elderly couple who sat opposite them smiled at the excitement of the little girl. Aaron nodded in silent agreement with them.

  "She's so adorable," the woman said, shifting her large size next to her thin husband. Aaron had spent most of the journey trying to avoid striking up a conversation. The elderly woman's judgmental stare throughout the long train ride had made him decide it would be wiser to maintain a polite silence. "It's such a pleasure to see a child so excited. She's been so well behaved the whole journey. You must be so proud of her."

  "Oh. She's not my daughter. She's my niece," Aaron explained.

  The woman raised her eyebrows. "Really?" She seemed momentarily confused. "Are you taking her home to her parents?"

  "No. I'm taking her to see her grandparents. They haven't seen her for quite a while. Her momma is following on. She and her husband couldn't make the journey. But her grandparents are so desperate to see her, I just had to bring her out here myself," he said.

  Emily looked at the woman. "Momma says she might be a while," she said with an earnest expression. "What with daddy being the way he is," she said in the typical forthright manner of young children.

  Aaron smiled nervously. It would be best not to go into that. Especially with complete strangers. "She's just so thrilled to be seeing her grandparents," he said with a quiet laugh.

  The elderly lady smiled and fixed Aaron with a stern look. She obviously knew when to draw the line before a conversation became inappropriately personal.

  Aaron looked out the window and tried to recognize the landscape. It had been five years since he had left, but it may as well have been fifty.

  He had tried so hard to wipe the memories of his years in Sweetheart Falls from his mind. But he hadn't succeeded. The place, and it's people, had a way of staying with you, no matter where you were.

  Even during his time studying law in Boston, there had been times when he had remembered being in the town he had worked so hard to leave behind. Those memories had been painful and troubling and had driven him to even harder efforts to become the best lawyer he could be. They were memories that had pushed him into hard work, and that effort had paid off. He was qualified now. He hoped his father would be pleased, but he wasn't sure.

  Now he was coming back to Sweetheart Falls.

  As he had promised he would.

  Emily jumped up excitedly as she saw a herd of cattle being rounded up. Aaron smiled at her enthusiasm. It could be infectious at times.

  He looked up at the luggage stacked above his head. The letters were in there. The letters which had changed everything. He recalled their content and sighed, laying his head back against the soft, padded seat.

  It had all started when he had received the first letter from his mother. She had reminded him in no uncertain terms of the promise he had given.

  Why did a man always have to keep his promises, he thought to himself.

  He knew the answer to that question. Without his word a man was nothing. How many times had his father said that to him as he had been growing up? It was the family motto.

  His mother had written and said that now he was a lawyer it was time for him to come home. It was time for her only son to settle down.

  It didn't make things any easier when she tol
d him that his father was not as well as he used to be. That just made it more difficult to refuse his mother's plea for his return to Sweetheart Falls.

  For that was what it was. It was a heartfelt request that he keep the word he had given when he had left Sweetheart Falls all those years ago to study law back East. When he had given his word to them, as he had stood on the train platform the day he'd left, it had seemed so easy, so casual. But now his family were doing what he knew they would always do. They were holding him to his word.

  And then the other letters had come.

  Now that his mother had reminded him of his duty, she went on to announce that she had found him a wife.

  A wife!

  He rolled his head to the side and gazed out at the passing trees. It was unbelievable. His mother had found him a local girl in Sweetheart Falls. She would be a perfect girl to settle down with, his mother had said.

  Aaron had never heard of such a thing. What did she think he was? A mail order husband? He knew that women often made their way out West to marry complete strangers. He'd seen the ads in the papers and he'd thought it a sad reflection of the times.

  But he had never in a million years thought that he would end up in a situation where he would be returning to Sweetheart Falls to consider marrying someone he had never even met, simply on the say so of his family.

  Still, they had given him every opportunity in life and they had paid for his education in the law. They had always been good parents to him. He had to be grateful, but not so much that he would come back and simply marry a complete stranger. The reply he'd sent to his mother had contained a polite expression of appreciation and tentative interest.

  "Are we almost there?" Emily demanded once again.

  Aaron smiled patiently. "Almost. Just a few minutes," he answered.

  He asked himself yet again why he was so reluctant to return. He knew the answer; the real answer. It lay deep down inside. But, he would keep that to himself for now.

  The train line cut through a dense forest. He recognized the place where he had spent so much time as a younger man. He had hunted in that forest and spent time with his friends.